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Graphic Novel Reviews: The Superman New Krypton Arc, part 3

As I continue to wade through the New Krypton Arc, I’m finding some things about Superman I really dislike. While I’m not a Superman hater, he can certainly be a bit of a boy scout, which is why I tend toward Batman more often than not. However, the one thing I absolutely hate about Superman stories: Krypto the dang Superdog. He’s a ridiculous character and horribly distracting. The closest I’ve come to accepting him came when, in The Coming of Atlas, he highlights the relationship between Superman and Lois Lane.

Following the startling events of “New Krypton,” Earth finds itself without its greatest protector – Superman! Luckily, Metropolis still has a few heroes, like Mon-El and the Guardian. But after years of knowing nothing but the solitude of the Phantom Zone, how will Mon-El acclimate himself to society? And the recently returned Guardian has his hands full with his new position in the Science Police. How can they fill Superman’s shoes? They’d better figure it out fast, because dangerous mysteries abound! [Via Goodreads]

This is a good continuation of the New Krypton storyline. Superman now has to play the role of diplomat to a nation of Kryptonians who are not as peaceful as he believed, and who have formed a new planet on the other side of the sun, a constant presence and reminder that they can, at will, attack the Earth if they so choose.

In the meantime, the Phantom Zone is collapsing, and Mon-El–Kal-El‘s childhood friend–is trapped until Superman pulls him free. Now he takes Superman’s place on Earth while Superman visits New Krypton as an ambassador and spy. General Zod is there and “reformed,” but Superman will not believe such a thing is possible.

New Krypton, Vol. 3

Following the events of the “New Krypton” crossover, the Man of Steel has had to embrace his past to ensure humanity’s future. And while a devastating armed conflict with Earth may have been averted, keeping the peace will be Superman’s greatest challenge yet. Now The Man of Tomorrow has decided to live with his newfound people on a brand-new world. But can he keep peace between Earth an dthis New Krypton? Not if General Zod has anything to say about it… [Via Goodreads]

Superman has rejected Earth in favor of New Krypton, seeking to prove that General Zod is up to no good. On New Krypton, Superman is one among 100,000, his powers outweighed by theirs. He uncovers a mystery deeper than the one he came to investigate. There is something more sinister going on. I enjoyed this one because it puts Superman in a completely off-putting situation, where he cannot just do as he pleases. He has to act politically, in order to keep tabs on Zod, who may or may not be out to sabotage any peace that the Kryptonians and Earth might hope to achieve.

Nightwing and Flamebird, Vol. 1

In Superman’s absence, two new heroes arrive on Earth from out of Kryptonian lore…this world without a Superman is a very dangerous place indeed. The only thing standing between the good (and the not-so-good) citizens of Earth and the shadow of doom are the all-new Nightwing and Flamebird. But who are these two heroes who have taken their names from legends of Krypton’s past? [Via Goodreads]

I enjoyed most of it, though there are parts which are a little uneven. Two more heroes go to Earth in Superman’s absence on New Krypton. They’re mistrusted by the population, hunted by the military and Kryptonians, and on a mission of their own. What I did really like was the connection to the beginning of the arc (See The Last Son). It’s an interesting concept, though some people may be confused about why there are two Nightwings on Earth (one is Dick Grayson and the other is Chris Kent). They explain and acknowledge the confusion, though.